Police have announced a $500,000 reward for information relating to the 1989 disappearance of central Queensland woman Michelle Lewis in a bid to generate new leads.
Key points:
- Michelle Lewis was last seen riding her bike in North Rockhampton on Saturday, January 14, 1989
- Police say her disappearance was suspicious
- The former lead investigator is hopeful the reward will lead to a breakthrough and justice for her family and friends
Ms Lewis was last seen alive riding her bike in Rockhampton 33 years ago.
Senior Detective Sergeant Tara Kentwell said it was hoped the renewed appeal for information would solve the cold case.
“Despite extensive investigations at the time and since, Michelle has never been located, nor has her bike, and police now strongly suspect she was murdered around the time she disappeared,” she said.
“We believe there are people out there with information and with this significant reward announced, now is the time for those people to reconsider 33 years of silence and come forward to police.”
Ms Lewis, then aged 21, was last seen alive riding her bike leaving a friend’s house on Stenlake Avenue, North Rockhampton, intending to ride a short distance to her home on Alexandra Street about 10.45pm on Saturday, January 14, 1989.
Former lead investigator, retired detective Ann Gumley, said the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Unit began re-examining the case in 2021.
Ms Gumley said she was hopeful the reward would lead to a breakthrough.
“I spent a lot of my time as a Rockhampton police officer searching for Michelle and I still remain committed to seeking justice for her,” Ms Gumley said.
“Michelle’s family and friends deserve answers, so if you know something, please come forward.”
The state government reward is for information that leads to the conviction of a person or people responsible for Michelle’s suspected murder.
The appeal has been made as part of National Missing Persons Week.
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